July 17, 2013 - Oxford Township officials last week took the first step toward limiting the times when folks can shoot off fireworks 30 days each year.

Officials unanimously approved the first reading of a proposed ordinance amendment that prohibits the ignition, discharge or use of consumer fireworks between the hours of 12 midnight and 8 a.m. on the day before, the day of and the day after the 10 national holidays.

The only exception to those times is New Year's Day when the prohibition would run from 1-8 a.m.

The township's language mirrors the state's recent amendment to the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act. In order to enforce the act, the township must amend its ordinance.

Last year, the state legalized the selling of consumer-grade fireworks and the unlimited use of them on the aforementioned 30 days.

Consumer-grade fireworks include things such as Roman candles, bottle rockets and certain aerial shells not exceeding 1.75 inches in diameter. Basically, the category encompasses many fireworks that leave the ground and explode in the air.

The township prohibits the use of fireworks without a permit the other 335 days of the year. That ban was enacted last year.

Also included in the township's proposed ordinance amendment is language mandating that "any retailer or wholesaler of fireworks located in the township must post or display" a copy of the municipality's fireworks ordinance

A second reading and possible adoption of the ordinance amendment is scheduled for the 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14 township board meeting.

Meetings take place on the second floor of the Oxford Veterans Memorial Civic Center (28 N. Washington St.).

CJ Carnacchio is editor for The Oxford Leader. He lives in the Village of Oxford with his wife Connie and daughter Larissa. When he's not busy working on the newspaper, he enjoys cigars/pipes, Martinis/Scotch, hunting and fishing.